CPM triumphs in rural polls

OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Agartala, July 19: The CPM-led Left Front achieved unprecedented success in the panchayat polls for 591 gram panchayats, 35 panchayat samitis and eight zila parishads. Among the 587 gram panchayats, the CPM captured a whopping 560, leaving only 20 for the Congress, four for the BJP and three for the Trinamul.

The CPM is also ahead in the counting of ballots for the remaining four panchayats.

Of the 419 seats in the 35 panchayat samitis, the CPM won 402, including 38 won uncontested before the election.

The Congress could win only four seats but the BJP and the Trinamul drew a blank. In the remaining 13 uncounted seats, the CPM has sizeable leads.

Of the 116 seats in eight zila parishads, the CPM won 102, including two uncontested, leaving just one seat for the the Congress. The BJP and Trinamul failed to win any.

Attributing the victory to “mature political consciousness of the people” CPM state secretary Bijan Dhar said the massive poll victory was the result of “dedicated work”.